E-Malt.com News article: USA: FIFCO USA acquired by Saothair Capital Partners, to revert to former name North American Breweries

Saothair Capital Partners has acquired CCR American Holdings, or FIFCO USA, from Distribuidora La Florida, a Heineken subsidiary, through a newly formed affiliate. Terms were not disclosed. The Rochester, New York-based brewer will revert to its former name, North American Breweries (NAB), Dealroom.co reported on September 4.

NAB is one of the leading US brewers, making and selling beer and ready-to-drink beverages including Labatt, Genesee, Seagram's Escapes, Lipton Hard Iced Tea, and Bubly Wine Refresher. Saothair is a private equity firm focused on middle-market manufacturing and industrial companies.

Saothair says it will invest in the Genesee Brewery — one of the oldest continually operating US breweries — and the company's brand portfolio. NAB employs over 700 people and is also one of the largest US providers of full-service contract brewing.

Peter Bodenham joins as chief executive officer, bringing more than 25 years across InBev, NAB, and Sleeman Breweries. He held senior marketing roles at NAB and its predecessor from 2007 to 2014, including vice president of marketing, before leading marketing for Sleeman. He replaces the leadership under Heineken's ownership.

Distribuidora La Florida decided to sell after "carefully evaluating a range of potential options over the past few months," said its chief executive officer Rolando Carvajal, calling Saothair "the right steward for the next chapter."

The deal reunites the business with familiar hands. Rich Lozyniak, Saothair co-founder and NAB's chief executive from 2009 to 2014, said: "Having led this business myself, I know firsthand what makes NAB special."

Global brewers are shedding regional US assets to private equity buyers, who bet local heritage brands can grow under focused, long-term ownership. The name change signals a play on regional identity rather than a global portfolio strategy.


04 September, 2026